BI: 3 trafficking victims rescued at NAIA; 'overstaying' Korean to be deported

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) rescued three Filipino human trafficking victims supposedly bound for Spain and is currently processing the deportation of an overstaying South Korean.

According to the bureau, the victims — two males and one female, who are in their late 30s and 40s — allegedly attempted to board an Emirates airline flight to Spain at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) when they were stopped by immigration personnel.

The victims initially said they were working in a local tech company and were headed to Spain to attend a conference. However, immigration officers doubted their statement and referred them for secondary inspection.

They then admitted that they are travelling to Spain for work and that they were recruited and that they paid over P300,000 to a contact they met on social media.

"The said recruiter promised to provide them with all the necessary documentary requirements, and assistance to depart the country illegally," according to the statement posted by the bureau.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Viado said they are investigating if any immigration personnel were involved in the incident.

“In line with the BI’s one strike policy, we will not hesitate to take necessary legal action against those involved in human trafficking,” Viado said.

The victims were turned over to the inter-agency council against trafficking for investigation and filing of cases against their recruiters.

Overstaying foreigner nabbed

Meanwhile, immigration authorities apprehended a South Korean man in Tubigon, Bohol over alleged overstaying.

Suspect Park Yeungtae, 56, was arrested in his residence in Barangay Pooc Oriental in July 23 after allegedly failing to update his immigration status since 2016. His continued presence in the country was deemed in violation of the Philippine Immigration Act, according to the BI.

“Our officers continue to monitor and act on cases of foreign nationals who choose to overstay and disregard our immigration policies,” said Viado.

“The Bureau maintains zero tolerance for such violations. The law applies to everyone — no exceptions,” he added.

Following his arrest, the foreigner was transported via ferry to Cebu City and temporarily held at the Mabolo Police Station. He is scheduled for transfer to the BI's facility in Manila.

He will also undergo deportation proceedings and included in the BI’s blacklist to prevent future re-entry into the country.

“The Philippines welcomes foreigners who respect our laws. But if you break them, we will take the necessary legal action,” said Viado.

“Overstaying is not a minor offense. It is a serious violation of our immigration rules, and we will not hesitate to enforce the law,” he said. — BAP, GMA Integrated News